Reformed Baptist Church

Christ rules and reigns in righteousness. He will render true and perfect justice in the end. This will be the inevitable result of His character (vv. 3a, 5), His competence (v. 3b), and His commitment to truth and justice (v. 4).

Looks can be deceiving. The house and kingdom of David, which God promised to establish forever (2 Sam. 7:16), has been reduced to a stump. But hope remains: the "Rod of Jesse," a new and greater David, shall come (v. 1). And He will be the perfect King, upon whom the Spirit of the LORD will rest (v. 2), who will reign in truth and in righteousness (vv. 3–5). The Lord Jesus is this King! Is He your King?

God commands His people not to fear the Assyrians (v. 24). The reasons lie in God Himself: He is faithful, sovereign, and mighty to save. Believers in every age should take these truths to heart, especially in dark and difficult times when we are tempted to fear.

Assyria is but a tool in God's hand, "the rod of [His] anger" (v. 5). The text presents the power and domination of Assyria (I) in human perspective (Assyria's own perspective) and (II) in divine perspective. The sovereign God rules over all history and is working out all things according to His eternal purpose.

The people of Israel are against God, and God is against them in righteous wrath and judgment. The text concludes with three questions that "cry for an answer from all those who seek to flee God's avenging wrath" (Young). The answer if found in Jesus Christ, the sinner's only hiding-place. Flee to Him!

Jesus raises a little girl from the dead. In the account, His pity and power, even over death itself, is clearly displayed. As in the raising of Lazarus, it is an "open symbol of Christ's conquest of death and hell" (Warfield). Outline: (I) Entering into the narrative; (II) Drawing out lessons, general and specific (a sober lesson, a gospel lesson, a hopeful lesson).